When it comes to starting your Japanese adventure, most jet-setters make a beeline for the bustling metropolis of Tokyo to start their Japan adventure. Now, Tokyo is like the cool kid with not one, but two international airports - Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita Airport (NRT). If you want to hit the ground running and get to the heart of the action quicker, head to Haneda Airport. It's like the VIP entrance to the city, just a short 30-minute hop away, while Narita might have you playing the waiting game for 40-90 minutes, including the airport express.

So, you've landed at Haneda Airport (HND)... to save some yen, hop on the local train. You've got options – there's the fancy Tokyo Monorail to whisk you off to Hamamatsucho station. From there, just jump on the JR Yamanote line and you're on your way. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, take a ride on the Keikyu Airport Line to Shinagawa station. Then, it's a hop, skip, and a jump to your final destination on other local lines.

Upon arrival at Narita Airport, you will find that besides the Narita Express, there is another impressive transportation option available - the Toyko Keisei Skyliner. This speedy journey will swiftly take you to Ueno station in a mere 40 minutes. From Ueno, you can enjoy a relaxing train journey as you make your way to the nearest station to your first hotel in Tokyo!

Travelling in Japan (or indeed pretty much any other country) is SO much easier with data on your phone!

I always recommend getting a data eSIM in advance of landing in a country. That way, you can hit the ground running when you arrive!

I recommend using Airalo or Yesim to get data whilst in Japan. Both of these providers are great and provide good coverage whilst travelling.

When exploring Japan, it's absolutely crucial to grasp the language displayed on signs, menus, transportation, and beyond! And guess what? Making this a breeze is as simple as utilizing Google Translate. Don't forget to download the Japanese offline feature in the app to unlock translation capabilities even when offline! Get ready for a seamless and exciting adventure through Japan with Google Translate by your side!

GoogleMaps (on public transport mode) works pretty well for getting around in Japan.

Experience the convenience of local trains with the amazing IC (Integrated Circuit) card! This awesome card allows you to simply tap in and out at each station, so you don't have to buy a ticket for every single train ride. And you know what? In Japan, everyone has an IC card, so you can even use it to buy stuff at convenience stores and vending machines. When your balance is running low, just top up your card with cash or a credit card at any train station. Enjoy a smooth and stress-free travel experience with the versatile IC card!

Good news for iPhone users – the IC cards have gone virtual, so you can use your phone as an IC card. This makes everything even easier because you can add money to your balance using your phone, no need to go to the station.

You don't have to buy a physical IC card for this, just start the process straight from your phone! But if you already have an IC card, you can transfer the balance to your phone. Your old card will then stop working, and you can only use your phone as an IC card from then on.

Unfortunately for Android users, the phone needs to be purchased in Japan to do this. You could try using the Pasmo mobile, but it's only in Japanese.

For users without a smartphone (or with an international android phone), you'll still need to get a physical IC card. These can be obtained in local convenience stores and vending machines.

If travelling at night, be mindful that in Tokyo, most trains stop at midnight therefore you should aim to be at the station no later than 11.30pm (especially if you need to connect trains to reach your accommodation).

When you're in Japan, you can easily find laundry places that will take care of washing, drying, and ironing your clothes at a reasonable price and in no time at all. So convenient!

Japanese hotels have got you covered with everything you need in the rooms, like pajamas, slippers, razors, toothbrushes, and more.

Oh, and you'll probably end up wanting to buy a ton of stuff at the stores in Japan (I might have had to get another suitcase for the trip back home!)

Travelling in Japan can be pretty pricey, but you can save a bunch by using a JR Pass. It's a budget-friendly option for getting around Japan, but make sure to order one before you arrive.

So, should you get a Japan Rail Pass? Well, it all comes down to where you're going and what you're planning to do in Japan, but most of the time, yeah, it's totally worth it!

If you get the JR Pass, you can hop on any JR train, bus, ferry, or airport transfer without worrying about limits. So, if you plan to take a bunch of trips around Japan, you'll end up saving some cash in the long run.

People mainly get a Japan Rail Pass to save money, but there are other cool perks too!

Using the JR Pass is super convenient because you don't have to keep buying tickets every time you take a train or other public transport. Just flash your pass and you're good to go!

If you have a JR Pass, you can reserve seats too. It's super handy when it's crowded, so you can chill in a seat instead of standing for ages on those long trips.

In Japan, you can find vending machines everywhere selling drinks for around 100-200 yen. But guess what? You can usually get the same drink for less at 7/11, FamilyMart, or another convenience store!

Although Japan is such a modern society, there are often times that you need to have cash for transactions. Make sure you have a small supply of cash when travelling around Japan. Check out this blog for some top cash tips!

So, you think you've seen it all, huh? Japanese toilets are not just a myth, my friend - they are the real deal! These bad boys are like the fancy Rolls Royce of the toilet universe. Get ready for a wild ride the first time you encounter one of these high-tech thrones. You'll find yourself on a toilet adventure, spending more time deciphering the control panel (using Google Translate and working out the amusing images) than actually doing your business. And mark my words, once you leave Japan, you'll look at your regular old toilet at home with a deep sense of loss. Sayonara, basic toilets - you just can't compete!

Get ready for an amazing Japan travel experience! From the moment you arrive, you'll be blown away by the warm welcome from the Japanese people. Their unmatched politeness and rich traditions make every traveller feel right at home. And guess what? You don't have to know all the social norms right away - they understand and appreciate your efforts to learn. If you're all about immersing yourself in local culture however, there are some etiquette points you should know before you go!

• Say "itadakimasu" before eating to give thanks for the meal you are about to eat

• You're allowed to lift bowls of rice, noodles and small plates up to make the chopsticks experience easier for you

• Feel free to slurp noodles with broth

• Don't burp at the table, it's considered rude

• Avoid lifting larger plates off the table to eat out of them, transfer smaller portions to a smaller plate before you eat

• Don't blow your nose at the table or anywhere in public

• Don't stick chopsticks upright in your bowl

• Try not to cross your chopsticks in any way

• Don't walk whilst eating, it's considered rude

• Always hang onto your trash until you find a bin or get home

• Try to talk quietly on public transport

These are just a small number of etiquette tips to get you started!